请教 (qǐng jiào) — Chinese Word

verb HSK 4

Traditional 請教

qǐng jiào

to ask for advice · to consult · to seek guidance

Meaning

请教 is a respectful way to ask someone for advice, instruction, or expertise. It literally combines 请 (to request/invite) and 教 (to teach), showing humility when seeking knowledge from someone you regard as more knowledgeable. It's more formal and polite than simply asking a question.

Usage

Used when asking for guidance from teachers, experts, elders, or anyone whose knowledge you respect. It implies acknowledging the other person's superior knowledge or experience. Common in academic, professional, and formal settings. Often followed by a question or the topic you want advice on.

Examples

01
我想向您请教一个问题。
Wǒ xiǎng xiàng nín qǐng jiào yí gè wèn tí.
I would like to ask you for advice on a question.
02
他经常向老师请教学习方法。
Tā jīng cháng xiàng lǎo shī qǐng jiào xué xí fāng fǎ.
He often consults his teacher about study methods.

Characters

Measure words

次cì请教了他一次

Common collocations

向...请教
xiàng ... qǐng jiào
to ask advice from...
请教问题
qǐng jiào wèn tí
to ask for advice on a question
多多请教
duō duō qǐng jiào
to ask for much guidance (polite phrase)
不耻下问，虚心请教
bù chǐ xià wèn, xū xīn qǐng jiào
not ashamed to ask subordinates, humbly seek advice

Origin

Combines 请 (to request politely) with 教 (to teach). The construction literally means 'to request teaching,' reflecting traditional Chinese values of humility when seeking knowledge.